Pic: Andy Nunn
JON SHAW reckons making the transition from centre-forward to centre-half is like starting his career all over again.
South Shields‘ 33-year-old is known to everyone in Non-League as one of the best finishers there has been since the turn of the millennium.
Prolific at Gateshead, Burton Albion, Halifax and Luton Town since 2004, there is not a defence which hasn’t been on the wrong end of one of his trademark deadly finishes.
But things have changed and the hunter is now the hunted – and the Conference scoring legend wouldn’t have it any other way.
“When you play in a position for a certain amount of years you get comfortable, you know how to do it,” said Shaw, who was solid in defence in the FA Vase final three weeks ago as Shields completed a unique quadruple.
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“When you move you get a new buzz – it’s like a nervous energy. It’s like starting all over again. I’m a bit out of my comfort zone, but I love it.”
Shaw, who last Friday signed a new two-year deal, didn’t know he was equally as good at the other end of the pitch until he put his hand up to try and help out.
“I asked a couple of years ago if I could play at centre-half at Gateshead for a game to try it out, and I loved it,” he said.
“Then Malcolm Crosby came in and he said ‘no, you’re a striker’ so back I went up front!
“I actually signed for South Shields as a striker then one of our defenders broke his ankle, so I said I would help and I’ve got my way ever since.
“I’m not saying I’ve had my last ever game as a striker, but this position is where my focus is now.”
He added: “I love working with the younger players, and shouting at them!
“It’s different as a striker, you want to be silent – you don’t want anyone to know when you are but it’s not the same at the back. You talk to everybody. You’ve got to be selfish and ruthless as a striker, but you have got to be a team player at the other end.”
Because of their budget and support, Shields will be installed as the title favourites in the Evo-Stik NPL North from the off.
“This club is going to be on the fast track to the Conference,” said Shaw. “I’ve been around for the likes of Fleetwood, and there’s a similar feeling but we know it’s not going to be easy to go through the leagues.
“Next year is no different to this year. The pressure was on us, and it will be again come August – we’re prepared for that. But you won’t hear anyone saying we’re going to win the league or do this or do that.”
